Judge halts Vasco action over Maracanã bid for Boca semi-final | OneFootball

A Rio judge has suspended Vasco’s lawsuit against Fla-Flu Serviços S.A., the Maracanã’s operator, over hosting the Copa Sudamericana semi-final second leg with Boca Juniors on 20 October. According to Coluna Do Fla, the case has been paused while a related dispute progresses.

Judge Adriana Laia Franco, of the second Civil Court, noted another case on the same issue, a popular action filed on 29 September in the second Public Treasury Court. An initial injunction there was denied and the fan who brought it has filed an interlocutory appeal that is still pending.

Although the parties and legal bases differ, both cases concern whether Vasco can play at the Maracanã, raising the risk of conflicting rulings. She also said the actions could not be combined because the courts have distinct jurisdictions.

The matter remains open and, before the suspension, Fla-Flu Serviços were given 48 hours to respond to Vasco’s urgent request. For now, the outcome hinges on the appeal in the Court of Justice.

Vasco filed on Thursday 1 October after the consortium formally rejected their bid on Monday 28 September, the third refusal of 2026 after requests to host Vitória and Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil. The operator cited fixture load and pitch wear, pointing to 58 matches by the end of September and a full turf replacement that began after an NFL game on 28 September.

Vasco argue CONMEBOL rules require a minimum 30,000 capacity from the semi-finals, and cite a favourable opinion from stadium police unit Bepe. They say São Januário does not meet the threshold.

October scheduling is tight, with Flamengo v Fluminense on 11 October, then Palmeiras visiting three days later for a Libertadores semi-final first leg. Flamengo play Estudiantes away on 15 October and host the return at 21:30 on 22 October, leaving only two days’ recovery if Vasco were to play on 20 October.

Meanwhile, Vasco obtained a new Fire Department report for São Januário allowing 24,155 fans, including 4,000 away seats as Boca requested. Capacity still falls short, so the club need a CONMEBOL exception and Military Police approval, with president Pedrinho prioritising São Januário.

CONMEBOL require a venue 10 days in advance if the match is in Rio, or 15 if outside, giving Vasco until 10 October to confirm a Rio stadium. The first leg is at 21:30 on 13 October at La Bombonera, with the return in Rio a week later at a venue to be confirmed.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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